In terms of display quality, 992 (79.04%) out of the 1255 readers who voted, chose Samsung's increasingly awesome Super AMOLED technology. No wonder, ...]]>NewsSun, 02 Aug 2015 13:00:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4-vs-Xiaomi-Mi-Note-Pro-poll-results-Note-4-still-THE-phablet_id72217/commentsLuis D.T-Mobile slashes BlackBerry Classic prices by $70, grab one now for $369.99http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-slashes-BlackBerry-Classic-prices-by-70-grab-one-now-for-369.99_id72188Back in April 2014, T-Mobile and BlackBerry engaged in a head-on dispute when BlackBerry decided not to renew T-Mobile's contract that allowed the carrier to sell BlackBerry phones. All of that ended this May, when T-Mobile started selling the BlackBerry Classic through its stores. If you've been holding out to purchase a BlackBerry Classic until a good deal rears its head, today is the day.

T-Mobile has just dropped the price of the BlackBerry Classic to $369.99, which is almost $70 off the handset's previous price of $439.92. If you'd rather pay for the phone as you go, you ...]]>NewsFri, 31 Jul 2015 12:51:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-slashes-BlackBerry-Classic-prices-by-70-grab-one-now-for-369.99_id72188/commentsMihai A.How to enable / disable the vibration feedback of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge's capacitive buttonshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-enable--disable-the-vibration-feedback-of-the-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-and-S6-edges-capacitive-buttons_id72181Samsung is among the few manufacturers out there who consistently place capacitive buttons under the screens of their devices. While other smartphone builders prefer to rely on the virtual navigation buttons, present on stock Android, Sammy and co's decision to place hardware keys allow for larger screen real estate and a lot of users prefer them.

The buttons haven't changed much since inception – they are LED-backlit, for ease of use, and give off a vibration feedback when tapped, so that the user can be sure that the input has been registered. The battery saving mode that Samsung has been ...]]>NewsFri, 31 Jul 2015 07:20:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-enable--disable-the-vibration-feedback-of-the-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-and-S6-edges-capacitive-buttons_id72181/commentsPaul K.T-Mobile adds over 1 million postpaid subscribers for the fourth straight quarterhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-adds-over-1-million-postpaid-subscribers-for-the-fourth-straight-quarter_id72146For the fourth consecutive quarter, T-Mobile has reported over 1 million net new postpaid subscribers. Of that figure, 760,000 were branded postpaid phone additions. Postpaid phone churn was 1.3%, down from the 1.46% posted during last year's second quarter. Overall, the mobile operator reported 2.1 million net new additions, which is the 9th straight quarter that this metric produced over 1 million new customers for the carrier.

T-Mobile reported revenue for the quarter of $8.2 billion, up 14% year-over-year. Net income for the quarter amounted to $361 million (or 49 cents a share), ...]]>NewsThu, 30 Jul 2015 09:36:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-adds-over-1-million-postpaid-subscribers-for-the-fourth-straight-quarter_id72146/commentsAlan F.Samsung teaches you how to switch from iPhone to Galaxy S6, but why use a MacBook to do it?http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-teaches-you-how-to-switch-from-iPhone-to-Galaxy-S6-but-why-use-a-MacBook-to-do-it_id72127

Moving to a new smartphone, especially a different brand, is a pain and manufacturers know that. This is why, in recent year, there have been significant improvements in data syncing either through an app, PC program, cloud, or just USB connection. Most smartphone makers nowadays have their own proprietary app, which helps you transfer all of the content from your old phone to your new one – and that's a welcome thing.

Samsung's switching software is available both as a smartphone app and PC program. It's dubbed Smart Switch and helps you copy over all of your pictures, ...]]>NewsThu, 30 Jul 2015 01:59:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-teaches-you-how-to-switch-from-iPhone-to-Galaxy-S6-but-why-use-a-MacBook-to-do-it_id72127/commentsPaul K.According to you, Samsung's Galaxy S6 outdoes the LG G4 in terms of design, display, UI, and camerahttp://www.phonearena.com/news/According-to-you-Samsungs-Galaxy-S6-outdoes-the-LG-G4-in-terms-of-design-display-UI-and-camera_id72090A week ago, we asked you to vote for the better phone: the Samsung Galaxy S6 or LG G4. We wanted you to share your opinion on a number of categories and which one handles each better, including design, display, UI, and camera. The results are now in, and we've gathered exactly 8,116 votes.

The verdict is clear: most people prefer the Galaxy S6 to the G4, with an overall 59.1% to 40.9% split in votes, respectively. Digging further, we find that our audience is most confident in Samsung's flagship's Super AMOLED, which garnered the approval of 71.6% of the voters, leaving just ...]]>NewsWed, 29 Jul 2015 03:21:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/According-to-you-Samsungs-Galaxy-S6-outdoes-the-LG-G4-in-terms-of-design-display-UI-and-camera_id72090/commentsChris P.T-Mobile making moves - carrier will let iPhone 6 owners upgrade to the next iPhone for zilch, makes Apple Music streaming freehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-making-moves---carrier-will-let-iPhone-6-owners-upgrade-to-the-next-iPhone-for-zilch-makes-Apple-Music-streaming-free_id72064It looks like Apple and the USA's magenta-colored carrier have forged a beautiful friendship, as T-Mobile has "amped" its Music Freedom and upgraded its JUMP! On demand services with fantastic propositions for iPhone owners. First off, T-Mo added Apple Music to its list of 33 music services that stream for free over the carrier's data network. It's what customers want, apparently, as 80% of the music streaming service requests on Twitter spelled "Apple Music". Good listening on T-Mo's part! Before we cover the "so they're offering the iPhone 6s for free?!" part, we're going to paste this blurb ...]]>NewsTue, 28 Jul 2015 12:13:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-making-moves---carrier-will-let-iPhone-6-owners-upgrade-to-the-next-iPhone-for-zilch-makes-Apple-Music-streaming-free_id72064/commentsLuis D.Moto X Style vs Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G4: Specs comparisonhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Moto-X-Style-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-vs-LG-G4-Specs-comparison_id72055

Well, folks, Motorola has announced its flagship for 2015 – the sleek-looking Moto X Style. The new handset made a huge jump in display size – from the 5.2” of the Moto X (2014) to 5.7” this year. To keep the resolution crisp, Motorola opted to go the QHD route, giving the phone a 1440 x 2560 resolution. The phone's hardware is, of course, also bumped up to stay on track with current tech trends – a 64-bit processor and 3 GB of RAM can be found under the hood.

Motorola made it a point to compare its new flagship to the Samsung Galaxy S6 throughout the presentation. ...]]>NewsTue, 28 Jul 2015 10:15:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Moto-X-Style-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-vs-LG-G4-Specs-comparison_id72055/commentsPaul K.Moto X Style and X Play come with superb screen-to-body ratios: size comparison time!http://www.phonearena.com/news/Moto-X-Style-and-X-Play-come-with-superb-screen-to-body-ratios-size-comparison-time_id72054The new Moto X 2015 has landed, and as it has turned out, we're talking not one, but two new Moto X phones: the X Style and the X Play. Both feature huge displays, with the Style now happily venturing into phablet territory at 5.7", and the X Play occupying the borderline position of 5.5". What's interesting about these two handsets, though, is their spectacular screen-to-body ratio: both sit at 76%, which is rather high. In fact, it's higher than what most other mainstream high-end smartphones offer!

The OnePlus 2 is here and it really is something, judging from the specs sheet, feature list, and most importantly, the price tag that it flaunts. Certainly, it is not the perfect phone (none is), but the OnePlus 2 is definitely a noteworthy Android offering. Well, it might initially be quite hard to lay your hands on one, but it is certain that it will amass a great deal of followers.

How does it stack up against its predecessor, the OnePlus One, though? Of course, the OnePlus One is an evolutionary step forward, but it has also shed a number of nice features that ...]]>NewsTue, 28 Jul 2015 05:01:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/OnePlus-2-vs-OnePlus-One-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4-specs-comparison_id72027/commentsPeter K.OnePlus 2 vs Samsung Galaxy S6 vs LG G4: Specs Comparisonhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/OnePlus-2-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-vs-LG-G4-Specs-Comparison_id72021

So, OnePlus has finally announced the OnePlus 2 – the successor to its debut One, and the self-proclaimed "2016 flagship killer". The new device brings some notable improvements over its precursor, upgrading its hardware to the top-of-the-line specs of today and outfitting it with a fingerprint sensor. That aside, the new phone's design language is heavily reminiscent to the one we saw last year, only slightly retouched to keep up with current trends.

Of course, OnePlus became hugely popular thanks to the generous pricing of its phones – selling flagship-class hardware ...]]>NewsTue, 28 Jul 2015 02:56:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/OnePlus-2-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-vs-LG-G4-Specs-Comparison_id72021/commentsPaul K.HTC One M9 on T-Mobile gets Android 5.1 update with improved battery life, Google Wallet, and Anti-Thefthttp://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-One-M9-on-T-Mobile-gets-Android-5.1-update-with-improved-battery-life-Google-Wallet-and-Anti-Theft_id72000Now that the unlocked HTC One M9, its developer edition, and the AT&T version have all gotten the Android 5.1 update, M9 owners on the magenta-colored T-Mobile's network can join the party as well! The carrier is pushing build 2.7.531.6 as an over-the-air update to US handsets as we speak. M9 users are in for a meaty 833MB download we're talking, so you best be having some fast Wi-Fi beaming around you!

In addition to installing a recent version of Lollipop (though the latest one is Android 5.1.1), the update also brings battery life improvements, a pre-loaded Google Wallet app, and ...]]>NewsMon, 27 Jul 2015 14:05:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-One-M9-on-T-Mobile-gets-Android-5.1-update-with-improved-battery-life-Google-Wallet-and-Anti-Theft_id72000/commentsLuis D.T-Mobile update to Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge sent to improve battery lifehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-update-to-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-and-Galaxy-S6-edge-sent-to-improve-battery-life_id71988Good news for T-Mobile subscribers currently rocking the Samsung Galaxy S6 or Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. Both handsets have received an OTA update today that improves battery life. And if there is one thing in the world that you can't have too much of, it's battery life on your phone. The new baseband version for the Galaxy S6 is G920TUVU2COF8. For the Galaxy S6 edge it is G925TUVU2COF8.

The Galaxy S6 edge is not only receiving a boost to its battery life, the update is also removing an error message that some users were receiving. The message, "Unfortunately, Cocktailbar service has stopped," ...]]>NewsMon, 27 Jul 2015 10:43:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-update-to-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-and-Galaxy-S6-edge-sent-to-improve-battery-life_id71988/commentsAlan F.Poll results: Which tablet would you get - Tab S2, Air 2, or Xperia Z4?http://www.phonearena.com/news/Poll-results-Which-tablet-would-you-get---Tab-S2-Air-2-or-Xperia-Z4_id71982Samsung outed the world's thinnest tablets last week, the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 and Galaxy Tab S2 9.7, each measuring the incredible 5.6mm thin, and weighing just 265g and 389g, respectively. Those two will be competing directly with slates that are a bit thicker, but no less impressive, like Apple's iPad Air 2 and Sony's Xperia Z4 Tablet.

Designwise, the trio of tablets looks exquisite, with the Samsung and Apple slates donning a metal body, while Sony keeps things soft and touchy. The Xperia Z4 Tablet has one very important reason not to go the aluminum alloy way, though, as it is IP68-certified ...]]>NewsMon, 27 Jul 2015 05:34:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Poll-results-Which-tablet-would-you-get---Tab-S2-Air-2-or-Xperia-Z4_id71982/commentsDaniel P.Carrier versions of the LG G4 get rootedhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Carrier-versions-of-the-LG-G4-get-rooted_id71969

“The beauty of Android” – rooting your phone, getting access to its internal workings, and customizing it virtually to no end. Sounds enticing to many, but there's a small problem – manufacturers make it harder and harder for root access to be gained, and for bootloaders to be unlocked.

Before you feel enraged by this – there is a business reason behind the locked root. Services such as Google Play Music and HBO Now would probably not exist on Android handsets if root access was unlocked from the get-go (in fact, HBO Now doesn't work on rooted phones), because this ...]]>NewsMon, 27 Jul 2015 02:28:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Carrier-versions-of-the-LG-G4-get-rooted_id71969/commentsPaul K.Top phones with IR blaster and remote control functionality (2015 edition)http://www.phonearena.com/news/Top-phones-with-IR-blaster-and-remote-control-functionality-2015-edition_id71874

An infrared photon walks into a bar and says, "Is it hot in here, or is it just me?" Get it? Because infrared light is thermal radiation... Oh, forget about it. Let's shift the focus over to smartphones. Smartphones with IR blasters, to be more specific.

No, emitting heat isn't the purpose of these tiny infrared LEDs built into so many smartphones. It is not even close. An IR blaster built into a phone allows the handset to double as a universal remote control for a number of electronic devices we have around our homes. Using a special pre-loaded app, the phone can ...]]>NewsSun, 26 Jul 2015 20:15:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Top-phones-with-IR-blaster-and-remote-control-functionality-2015-edition_id71874/commentsNick T.How to use the LG G4 and manual camera controls to take awesome artistic photoshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-use-the-LG-G4-and-manual-camera-controls-to-take-awesome-artistic-photos_id71823

This isn't the first article we dedicate to the LG G4's awesome camera, and we're pretty sure that it won't be the last. After all, a camera as capable as this deserves to be under the spotlight. With its 16MP of resolution, optical image stabilization, F1.8 aperture, and advanced focusing and white balancing capabilities, the G4 excels in most every-day shooting conditions, all while being so easy to use that even a kid can handle it. While riding a unicycle. Blindfolded.

As long as the camera is set to auto mode, that is.

As for ...]]>NewsSun, 26 Jul 2015 18:00:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-use-the-LG-G4-and-manual-camera-controls-to-take-awesome-artistic-photos_id71823/commentsNick T.6 cases and covers for a total leather makeover of your plastic LG G4http://www.phonearena.com/news/6-cases-and-covers-for-a-total-leather-makeover-of-your-plastic-LG-G4_id71937So, what if you got the LG G4's plastic version, and out of a sudden, you fell for the genuine leather look that LG made such a big deal out of? Do you hurry to the shop to exchange your G4 for a new, leather-clad one, or do you simply buy a leather case and get on with it? Hey, it's up to you, but considering how easy it is to convert the plain plastic LG G4 to a premium vegetable-tanned leather one, or if you're less pretentious — faux leather — there's no reason not to consider one of them leather cases.

So, here are six different products at various price points, the ...]]>NewsSat, 25 Jul 2015 03:45:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/6-cases-and-covers-for-a-total-leather-makeover-of-your-plastic-LG-G4_id71937/commentsLuis D.Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Xiaomi Mi Note Pro: vote for the better phablet!http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4-vs-Xiaomi-Mi-Note-Pro-vote-for-the-better-phablet_id71911Although the Galaxy Note 5's launch is just a few weeks ahead, the Galaxy Note 4 is still Samsung's most current phablet, and arguably one of its best inventions ever. However, Xiaomi made quite a splash on the Internet when it announced the Mi Note and Mi Note Pro early this year. The latter, in particular, is probably the best phablet you can buy (or import) from China. Unfortunately, there is place for only one high-end phablet in most consumers' hands, hence we decided to let you, our readers, choose which one is worth staying, and which one has to go. Vote away! We'll share the results in ...]]>NewsFri, 24 Jul 2015 10:49:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-4-vs-Xiaomi-Mi-Note-Pro-vote-for-the-better-phablet_id71911/commentsLuis D.Living with the LG G4, part 1: Hey there, handsome!http://www.phonearena.com/news/Living-with-the-LG-G4-part-1-Hey-there-handsome_id71804

This is a story of a tech writer and his new smartphone. The guy in question is me. The smartphone – an LG G4, which I've been test-driving for some time now. My mission – a task which I gladly accepted – is to review LG's flagship after the hype around it has started to settle. I must find out what it's like to live with an LG G4 as a daily driver – where it truly shines in and what areas its maker should have paid more attention to. Sounds like fun doesn't it?

While I'm sure that reviewing the LG G4 in the long term will be a great ...]]>NewsFri, 24 Jul 2015 09:49:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Living-with-the-LG-G4-part-1-Hey-there-handsome_id71804/commentsNick T.Rooting your Galaxy S6/edge will make Samsung Pay stop workinghttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Rooting-your-Galaxy-S6edge-will-make-Samsung-Pay-stop-working_id71908Uh, oh, it seems that you won't really be able to pay for stuff with your Samsung phone if you have a rooted device. Rooting used to trip KNOX, Samsung's enterprise security service, but the unauthorized kernel modifications are seemingly going to affect your ability to use Samsung Pay as well, at least until someone finds a workaround.

Samsung Pay is a pretty great mobile payment system to have, as it can be used anywhere cards with magnetic strips are accepted, which is millions of locations worldwide, unlike Apple Pay, for instance, which requires that merchants install dedicated ...]]>NewsFri, 24 Jul 2015 07:55:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Rooting-your-Galaxy-S6edge-will-make-Samsung-Pay-stop-working_id71908/commentsDaniel P.Which tablet would you get - Galaxy Tab S2, iPad Air 2, or the Xperia Z4 slate?http://www.phonearena.com/news/Which-tablet-would-you-get---Galaxy-Tab-S2-iPad-Air-2-or-the-Xperia-Z4-slate_id71906Samsung outed the world's thinnest tablets this week, the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 and Galaxy Tab S2 9.7, each measuring the incredible 5.6mm thin, and weighing just 265g and 389g, respectively. Those two will be competing directly with slates that are a bit thicker, but no less impressive, like Apple's iPad Air 2 and Sony's Xperia Z4 Tablet.

Designwise, the trio of tablets looks exquisite, with the Samsung and Apple slates donning a metal body, while Sony keeps things soft and touchy. The Xperia Z4 Tablet has one very important reason not to go the aluminum alloy way, though, as it is IP68-certified ...]]>NewsFri, 24 Jul 2015 06:31:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Which-tablet-would-you-get---Galaxy-Tab-S2-iPad-Air-2-or-the-Xperia-Z4-slate_id71906/commentsDaniel P.Poll results: How long will you stay with the Galaxy S6/edge?http://www.phonearena.com/news/Poll-results-How-long-will-you-stay-with-the-Galaxy-S6edge_id71903The Samsung Galaxy S6 and its S6 edge sibling with curved display are one of the best Androids you can currently get, offering unsurpassed pixel density and processing power, together with mighty good rear and front cameras. What else could you want from a phone that is on top of all that wrapped in a slim and beautiful premium chassis?

Well, a man's heart is never satisfied, and the mobile industry is in overdrive now, with everyone churning out great handsets at breakneck pace that look no worse than the S6, while this is the year of premium metal designs and more than sufficient hardware ...]]>NewsFri, 24 Jul 2015 05:03:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Poll-results-How-long-will-you-stay-with-the-Galaxy-S6edge_id71903/commentsDaniel P.128GB Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge no longer available in Indiahttp://www.phonearena.com/news/128GB-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-and-Galaxy-S6-edge-no-longer-available-in-India_id71876While Samsung did remove the microSD slot from the Samsung Galaxy S6, and no such slot is offered for the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge, the company tried to placate consumers by offering a version of the two phones with a whopping 128GB of memory. But this morning, the 128GB variant of both phones was quietly removed from Samsung's Indian website.

The reason for this move probably comes down to price. In India, at launch the 128GB variant of the Galaxy S6 was priced at the equivalent of $970 USD, while the 128GB Galaxy S6 edge cost $1116 USD. Samsung cut the price afterward by as much as $140 ...]]>NewsThu, 23 Jul 2015 11:43:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/128GB-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-and-Galaxy-S6-edge-no-longer-available-in-India_id71876/commentsAlan F.Deal: Unlocked Samsung Galaxy S6 edge can be purchased for $599http://www.phonearena.com/news/Deal-Unlocked-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-edge-can-be-purchased-for-599_id71853The Galaxy S6 edge has been a rather successful device for Samsung. So much so, in fact, that the company has struggled to cope with the demand at times. Whether you're a fan of Samsung products or not, it cannot be denied that the S6 edge is one of the most beautiful smartphones that the market has ever seen. But despite a strong set of features, it does have its drawbacks. If you can look past the fact that it doesn't include a microSD slot or removable battery, the price tag is, for many, a deal-breaker. If you don't wish to pony up $800+, you can save yourself over $200 on one of the most sought ...]]>NewsThu, 23 Jul 2015 07:11:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Deal-Unlocked-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-edge-can-be-purchased-for-599_id71853/commentsBen R.How long will you stay with the Galaxy S6/edge?http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-long-will-you-stay-with-the-Galaxy-S6edge_id71860

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and its S6 edge sibling with curved display are one of the best Androids you can currently get, offering unsurpassed pixel density and processing power, together with a mighty good rear and front cameras. What else could you want from a phone that is on top of all that wrapped in a slim and beautiful premium chassis?

Well, a man's heart is never satisfied, and the mobile industry is in overdrive now, with everyone churning out great handsets at breakneck pace that look no worse than the S6, while this is the year of premium metal ...]]>NewsThu, 23 Jul 2015 06:42:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-long-will-you-stay-with-the-Galaxy-S6edge_id71860/commentsDaniel P.OnePlus 2 night camera samples get compared again, this time against the LG G4http://www.phonearena.com/news/OnePlus-2-night-camera-samples-get-compared-again-this-time-against-the-LG-G4_id71852The OnePlus 2 is expected to feature a 13 MP camera unit on the back that lacks an optical image stabilization mechanism, and this shows in the comparison shots that the OnePlus CEO Peter Lau posted on the company's forums, pitting it against the LG G4 this time.

Several pictures are shown, comparing OnePlus 2 camera samples to the same scenes taken with the 16 MP module on the G4, which sports OIS, laser autofocus and color spectrum sensor. The G4 stands unique with a tri-axis optical image stabilization, which manages to land it slower shutter speeds and lower ISO, resulting in cleaner, ...]]>NewsThu, 23 Jul 2015 04:52:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/OnePlus-2-night-camera-samples-get-compared-again-this-time-against-the-LG-G4_id71852/commentsDaniel P.Ulak Lumenair Apple iPhone 6 case hands-onhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Ulak-Lumenair-Apple-iPhone-6-case-hands-on_id71766This story is sponsored by Ulak.
PhoneArena's opinions in this article have not been affected in any
way!

Disclaimer

The Ulak Lumenair case, designed specifically for the Apple iPhone 6, is a clever solution that combines the function of protecting your phone from damage in a sturdy shell and enables a spectacular light show for every notification that you receive.

All of this happens via a clever hack that uses one particular feature of the iPhone 6 -- its LED flash notification for alerts. But first, let’s take a look at the design ...]]>NewsThu, 23 Jul 2015 04:42:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Ulak-Lumenair-Apple-iPhone-6-case-hands-on_id71766/commentsVictor H.T-Mobile announces Advanced Messaging for enhanced textinghttp://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-announces-Advanced-Messaging-for-enhanced-texting_id71837T-Mobile's CTO, Neville Ray, announced on the company's blog today, the carrier's new T-Mobile Advanced Messaging initiative. The feature is built on the Rich Communications Services standard. The executive pointed out that 92% of smartphone users send and receive texts on their handset, the number one application used by smartphone owners. But most carriers won't let you send large video files by text, or let you see real-time delivery status of a recently sent text.

But that is about to change with Advanced Messaging. T-Mobile customers will be able to send high-resolution pictures and ...]]>NewsWed, 22 Jul 2015 16:20:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/T-Mobile-announces-Advanced-Messaging-for-enhanced-texting_id71837/commentsAlan F.Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime and Core Prime officially launched on T-Mobilehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Grand-Prime-and-Core-Prime-officially-launched-on-T-Mobile_id71833As promised, T-Mobile has launched both the Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime and Galaxy Core Prime smartphones. Part of Sammy's affordable range of handsets, the Grand Prime only recently arrived through Sprint, with Cricket having also begun selling it at a cost of $179.99. The Core Prime, meanwhile, can already be had through Verizon, but if T-Mo is your network operator of choice, then both of these budget smartphones are available through the carrier.

The smaller of the two, the Core Prime includes a 4.5-inch display with a resolution of 480 x 800. There's a 1.2 ...]]>NewsWed, 22 Jul 2015 14:58:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-Grand-Prime-and-Core-Prime-officially-launched-on-T-Mobile_id71833/commentsBen R.HTC One M9 camera review: Exploring every corner of the Sense camera apphttp://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-One-M9-camera-review-Exploring-every-corner-of-the-Sense-camera-app_id69570

Despite a history of excellence and innovation, time hasn't been exactly kind to HTC, for the company has been losing steam for a few years now, seemingly unable to keep up with much larger rivals like Samsung, Apple, and even LG, all of which dwarf it in terms of size. And it's not because their devices are of poor quality — there are business reasons that keep HTC from realizing its full potential — but that doesn't mean the last few years haven't been a bit disappointing for HTC fans anyway. Indeed, if we were to point out one consistently problematic area for flagship HTC ...]]>NewsWed, 22 Jul 2015 09:24:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/HTC-One-M9-camera-review-Exploring-every-corner-of-the-Sense-camera-app_id69570/commentsChris P.Kyocera's entry-level Hydro Wave lands on T-Mobile and MetroPCS priced at $149.99http://www.phonearena.com/news/Kyoceras-entry-level-Hydro-Wave-lands-on-T-Mobile-and-MetroPCS-priced-at-149.99_id71822Kyocera has just announced a new entry-level Android smartphone, the Hydro Wave. The smartphone will be available in the US over at T-Mobile and MetroPCS, T-Mobile's prepaid subsidiary.

The handset comes with pretty basic hardware, such as 5-inch display running a resolution of 540 by 960 pixels at a PPI of 220, a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 chipset paired with 1GB of RAM, 8GB of integrated storage space, as well as 2300mAh battery. Other specs include a microSD card slot, a 5MP primary camera with LED flash, and a 2MP secondary sensor on the front. The Kyocera Hydro Wave also ...]]>NewsWed, 22 Jul 2015 09:01:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Kyoceras-entry-level-Hydro-Wave-lands-on-T-Mobile-and-MetroPCS-priced-at-149.99_id71822/commentsMihai A.Sony Xperia Z2 and Z3 series get Android 5.1 Lollipop updatehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony-Xperia-Z2-and-Z3-series-get-Android-5.1-Lollipop-update_id71789With the overheating saga that has hindered the launch of the Xperia Z3+ and Z4, Sony has had ample distraction from its regular schedule. But if you're rocking an older Xperia smartphone or tablet and are looking to get your hands on Android 5.1 Lollipop, your time might just have arrived. As of now, Sony is pushing the software out to those in ownership of the Xperia Z3, Xperia Z3 Compact, Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, Xperia Z2 and Xperia Z2 Tablet. Additionally, several other devices will be getting the Lollipop treatment in the near future.

Everything takes time, as long-term ...]]>NewsTue, 21 Jul 2015 20:06:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony-Xperia-Z2-and-Z3-series-get-Android-5.1-Lollipop-update_id71789/commentsBen R.7 clever tricks to help you increase the LG G4's battery lifehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/7-clever-tricks-to-help-you-increase-the-LG-G4s-battery-life_id71770Although the LG G4 is capable of pulling off adequate battery life, longevity definitely isn't among its strongest sides. But don't grief, current or prospective LG G4 owners, for there's an ample amount of things you can do to help the smartphone perform a little better in the battery department.

Therefore, we'll introduce to 7 simple tips that don't require rooting or mingling with hidden menus and obscure features, just some good old fashioned menu browsing. There it goes!

As if frozen in perpetuity, South Korean LG and Samsung have battled for supremacy since we can remember, but at each turn the outcome is the same: Samsung is on top. At least when talking about sales. But while LG has had gaps in its portfolio in years past, we can't help but imagine that the company is feeling more and more confident in its ability to take on its much larger, crosstown rival, especially given how well the G4 came out. But instead of sitting still and drown in complacency, Samsung, not its less successful rival(s), is the one keeping the rest on their toes, ...]]>NewsTue, 21 Jul 2015 09:28:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/LG-G4-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-vote-for-the-better-phone_id71764/commentsChris P.Germophobes, rejoice! ZTE Axon is the first phone with Corning’s antimicrobial Gorilla Glasshttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Germophobes-rejoice-ZTE-Axon-is-the-first-phone-with-Cornings-antimicrobial-Gorilla-Glass_id71769

Remember that antimicrobial cover glass that Corning invented not long ago? Well, it has matured to retail production now, and the ZTE Axon will be the first phone to employ it, says a joint press release.

The germophobes of this world will rejoice when they hear that Corning has incorporated antimicrobial tech in its Gorilla Glass franchise, which is supposed to kill germs and viruses that can stick to your phone's screen, and get transferred to you, or someone else using it. Even after just half an hour, measurements showed that the treatment killed a bunch of invisible ...]]>NewsTue, 21 Jul 2015 09:06:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Germophobes-rejoice-ZTE-Axon-is-the-first-phone-with-Cornings-antimicrobial-Gorilla-Glass_id71769/commentsDaniel P.How to change or disable the SIM PIN on your LG G4http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-change-or-disable-the-SIM-PIN-on-your-LG-G4_id71757

Grabbing a brand new handset and inserting your SIM in it for the first time might end up in you being greeted by a long-forgotten message – “Please enter PIN”. You will probably need to dig around and find the SIM's documentation and man – wouldn't you like to not have go through the same again? Well, there are two easy solutions. One is to change the PIN to something that you will always remember. The other one, if you feel that your smartphone is safe from prying hands, is to just remove the PIN lock of the SIM card.

It's not such a hard task, so long as you ...]]>NewsTue, 21 Jul 2015 08:44:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-change-or-disable-the-SIM-PIN-on-your-LG-G4_id71757/commentsPaul K.Samsung Galaxy S6 wins another blind camera comparison, LG G4 is close secondhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-wins-another-blind-camera-comparison-LG-G4-is-close-second_id71751

Which phone is better at taking photos – the LG G4 or the Samsung Galaxy S6? Giving a clear answer to this question can be quite a challenge, especially when both smartphones' cameras shoot great photos and videos. We can, however, find out which of the two phones' photos our readers like better; it is time to take a look at the results from our latest blind camera comparison.

Long story short, both phones performed really well in our comparison, but the Samsung Galaxy S6 came on top with a small lead. It won in three of the scenes our readers voted ...]]>NewsTue, 21 Jul 2015 07:40:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Samsung-Galaxy-S6-wins-another-blind-camera-comparison-LG-G4-is-close-second_id71751/commentsNick T.MetroPCS tempts switchers with 1GB of free LTE data, free Samsung Galaxy Core Primehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/MetroPCS-tempts-switchers-with-1GB-of-free-LTE-data-free-Samsung-Galaxy-Core-Prime_id71729

MetroPCS, T-Mobile's prepaid subsidiary, recently launched a campaign that attempts to encourage mobile subscribers to ditch their current carrier in its favor. To accomplish this, MetroPCS offers to add more data and will even give away a free LTE-enabled smartphone to carrier switchers.

Port your number from another carrier in the US anytime between now and the end of September, and MetroPCS will add a GB of data for free. This applies to the $40 plan as well as the $50 plan, and with the free GB of data, the new quotas are 2GB and 4GB of data at LTE speeds, ...]]>NewsMon, 20 Jul 2015 14:32:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/MetroPCS-tempts-switchers-with-1GB-of-free-LTE-data-free-Samsung-Galaxy-Core-Prime_id71729/commentsMihai A.ZTE Axon variant with fingerprint scanner shows uphttp://www.phonearena.com/news/ZTE-Axon-variant-with-fingerprint-scanner-shows-up_id71735Announced last week in the US, the ZTE Axon is a very interesting smartphone, as it offers high-end, flagship-worthy features for just $449 unlocked. The handset can already be pre-ordered in the US, and it will also be released in Canada at some point. But will it be available in other markets? Well, for now there's no official word on this, but it looks like the Axon could be launched in China (ZTE's home country).

The new smartphone was recently approved by China's Telecommunication Equipment Certification Center under the name of ZTE A2015. The device looks like the one announced in ...]]>NewsMon, 20 Jul 2015 12:51:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/ZTE-Axon-variant-with-fingerprint-scanner-shows-up_id71735/commentsFlorin T.Galaxy Tab S2 vs iPad Air 2 vs Xperia Z4 Tablet specs comparisonhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Galaxy-Tab-S2-vs-iPad-Air-2-vs-Xperia-Z4-Tablet-specs-comparison_id71713

Samsung just put the slumbering tablet competition into overdrive, releasing the world's thinnest tablets, the Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7, each measuring the incredible 5.6mm thin, and weighing just 265g and 389g, respectively. Those two will be competing directly with slates that are a bit thicker, but no less impressive, like Apple's iPad Air 2 and Sony's Xperia Z4 Tablet.

This is why took a look at what the S2 9.7 has to offer, comparing it head-on with Apple's and Sony's finest for the moment, as these are the three tablets people are likely ...]]>NewsMon, 20 Jul 2015 07:56:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Galaxy-Tab-S2-vs-iPad-Air-2-vs-Xperia-Z4-Tablet-specs-comparison_id71713/commentsDaniel P.Pimp my iPhone: 8 professional and DIY modifications for the iPhone 6http://www.phonearena.com/news/Pimp-my-iPhone-8-professional-and-DIY-modifications-for-the-iPhone-6_id71657

There's no denying that the iPhone is an awesome smartphone. It is fast, powerful, and versatile, as millions of owners worldwide would agree. But at the same time, the iPhone is also an extremely popular choice among smartphone users. In other words, you see iPhones left and right. This surely bugs people who want to be unlike the rest, yet don't want to trade in their iPhone for something rarer. For them, we might have a solution. We scouted the web in search of the awesomest, most outstanding iPhone modifications. After hours of intense googling, we came up with a list you don't want to ...]]>NewsSun, 19 Jul 2015 23:54:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Pimp-my-iPhone-8-professional-and-DIY-modifications-for-the-iPhone-6_id71657/commentsNick T.How to access the hidden service menu on the LG G4http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-access-the-hidden-service-menu-on-the-LG-G4_id71670

Your phone has its secrets, and we mean that literally. Menus buried deep into its software hold settings that only technicians, not users, should have access to. This applies to pretty much every handset on the market, including the LG G4, and we bet you're already curious to know how to get to the said list of settings. If that's the case, just keep on reading as this guide is all about accessing the LG G4's hidden menu.

Why would anyone want to access a phone's service menu? Well, these usually contain tools meant to test whether the device's hardware components, ...]]>NewsSun, 19 Jul 2015 18:43:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/How-to-access-the-hidden-service-menu-on-the-LG-G4_id71670/commentsNick T.The high-end ZTE Axon Pro will be launched in Canadahttp://www.phonearena.com/news/The-high-end-ZTE-Axon-Pro-will-be-launched-in-Canada_id71695Officially presented last week as one of ZTE's most advanced smartphones to date, the Axon is already available to pre-order in the US, where it's going to start shipping in late July. But will the handset be released in other markets? Well, according to Mobile Syrup, ZTE confirmed that the Axon will also be launched in Canada sometime this summer. Since the smartphone costs $449 (unlocked) in the US, we assume its price will be similar in Canada.

ZTE seems to be a bit confused regarding the name of its new handset, calling it both Axon, and Axon Pro. Anyway, what's really interesting about ...]]>NewsSun, 19 Jul 2015 12:47:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/The-high-end-ZTE-Axon-Pro-will-be-launched-in-Canada_id71695/commentsFlorin T.FCC approves new rules for next year’s auction, preventing a replay of Dish’s bidding shenanigans and denies AWS-3 discounthttp://www.phonearena.com/news/FCC-approves-new-rules-for-next-years-auction-preventing-a-replay-of-Dishs-bidding-shenanigans-and-denies-AWS-3-discount_id71674One of the more dramatic events of the recent spectrum auction that brought in more than double the revenue analysts or the FCC thought it would, was Dish Networks’ use of designated entities through much of its bidding.

The designated entity rules allow for smaller companies to leverage an up-to-25% discount against their bids. They are designed to enable competitors gain a foothold in markets dominated by larger players.

Dish leveraged two small companies it was majority owner of to bid over $13 billion in the AWS-3 auction, making the companies the second highest bidders behind ...]]>NewsSat, 18 Jul 2015 04:57:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/FCC-approves-new-rules-for-next-years-auction-preventing-a-replay-of-Dishs-bidding-shenanigans-and-denies-AWS-3-discount_id71674/commentsMaxwell R.Bloomberg: Dish and T-Mobile merger talks stalledhttp://www.phonearena.com/news/Bloomberg-Dish-and-T-Mobile-merger-talks-stalled_id71675For a while, word on the street was that T-Mobile and Dish were going to get hitched, offering each something the other needed. It was not a done deal though, T-Mobile’s parent company Deutsche Telekom may want out of the US market, but it is not giving up its magenta colored diamond in the rough away for free.

Dish on the other hand, holds a ton of as-yet unused spectrum. However, it has been burning through cash to acquire that spectrum, and it is a certainty it does not have the cash lying around to pony-up whatever premium T-Mobile would be worth in an acquisition.

That seems ...]]>NewsFri, 17 Jul 2015 22:54:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/Bloomberg-Dish-and-T-Mobile-merger-talks-stalled_id71675/commentsMaxwell R.LG G4 is now cheaper than ever at T-Mobile: under $500 off contracthttp://www.phonearena.com/news/LG-G4-is-now-cheaper-than-ever-at-T-Mobile-under-500-off-contract_id71681The LG G4 is arguably one of the best high-end smartphones that are currently available in the US, but, of course, not everyone has the money for it. However, the handset is now cheaper than ever if you want to buy it from T-Mobile, which lets you get it for just $479.76 off contract.

Prior to today, the off contract price of T-Mobile's LG G4 was $599.76, so that's $120 off the original price. What's more, if you're buying the G4 from T-Mobile before July 31, you'll receive a an extra battery, a charging cradle, and a "limited-edition leather back cover."

For now, T-Mobile is the ...]]>NewsFri, 17 Jul 2015 22:02:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/LG-G4-is-now-cheaper-than-ever-at-T-Mobile-under-500-off-contract_id71681/commentsFlorin T.Realistic-looking dummy of the Galaxy S6 EDGE+ compared to the Galaxy Note 4http://www.phonearena.com/news/Realistic-looking-dummy-of-the-Galaxy-S6-EDGE-compared-to-the-Galaxy-Note-4_id71656So far, we've heard a number of reports that the Galaxy Note line may not get a curved-screen unit this year. Instead, whispers say that the expected Galaxy S6 EDGE+ will come to fulfill customers' needs for edgy phablets, while the Note 5 will be the only 2015 phone to bear the signature S-Pen stylus.

Now, as far as hardware goes, while the Note 5 is rumored to bear a turbo-powered Exynos 7422 SoC and 4 GB of RAM, reports claim that the Galaxy S6 EDGE+ will copy the specs of the regular S6 edge – Exynos 7420 and 3 GB of RAM.

Optical image stabilization (OIS) made a splash in the smartphone world when the Nokia Lumia 1020, a camera centric phone with PureView technology and a whopping 41-megapixel shooter, incorporated it to make for sharper images and more stable video. It's been a while since then, and these days most high-end smartphones feature OIS to capture better images and videos.

There is one notable exception, though: the HTC One M9. So we were curious to see what difference the presence of optical stabilization makes and took the One M9 for a spin, comparing it ...]]>NewsFri, 17 Jul 2015 07:26:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/What-difference-does-OIS-make-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-vs-HTC-One-M9_id71649/commentsVictor H.LG G4 vs Samsung Galaxy S6 blind camera comparison: vote for the better phonehttp://www.phonearena.com/news/LG-G4-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-blind-camera-comparison-vote-for-the-better-phone_id71390

Voting in this blind camera comparison has ended.

What's the best smartphone camera out there? This is a question we get asked often, and although it seems easy to answer, it is not. Some cameras excel with their speed and ease of use, others are acclaimed for their advanced shooting modes and camera controls, and then there are those cameras that promise a lot on paper, yet fail to meet our high expectations. That's why we do blind camera comparisons as part of our search for the best cameraphone – we present our readers with photos from ...]]>NewsFri, 17 Jul 2015 06:55:00 -0500http://www.phonearena.com/news/LG-G4-vs-Samsung-Galaxy-S6-blind-camera-comparison-vote-for-the-better-phone_id71390/commentsNick T.